Logistical performance of tomato sauce packaging: a case study in São Paulo, Brazil

Abstract

Food supply chains are intrinsically linked to the presence of packaging, since they are essential to ensure the food protection and preservation from the production centers to the consumer. In addition, the packaging favors handling, transport and storage steps resulting in improved operations and reduced costs. The objective of this study was to evaluate the performance of three different tomato sauce packaging (can, stand-up pouch and carton pack) in relation to distribution logistics in urban area. The Packaging Scorecard methodology was used in this study, in which the professionals present during the distribution of these products were interviewed. The results showed that, for the studied supply chain, the can presented the best overall performance. The carton packaging presented a similar overall performance compared to the can, performing better in three of the four evaluation sites. In addition, the obtained results provide a systemic view of the chain, identifying the critical points of the packaging, and may be used by professionals of the different distribution sites aiming improvement in the packaging logistics performance.

Keywords:
Packaging; Logistics; Supply chain; Tomato products; Packaging scorecard; Urban distribution